
                              My Little Realm Enterprises

                                 -  Checking v/3.2  -

                                   Shareware Version
          ____________________________________________________________________

                                        Important
          ____________________________________________________________________

          Checking is protected by copyright.  It is not freeware, and it is
          not in the public domain.

          This is the shareware (evaluation) version of My Little Realm's 
          Checking.  It is a full-featured, fully functional program.  You 
          are welcome to try it on your computer to ensure that it functions
          on your system as it should, and that it meets your individual 
          needs.

          If after 30 days you decide to keep using Checking, you must pay 
          for the program.  To print an order form, press <$> in the Options 
          Window, or print the text file REGISTER.TXT.

          The registered version of Checking comes with a Review program and 
          a menu driver.  The Review program allows you to view your checking
          file in a scrollable window, query the file, and generate a 
          year-to-date summary for all of your Pay To Quickey names.  Review 
          is a powerful complement to your Checking program.  The menu driver
          includes a documentation viewer, screen saver, and memory resouce
          function.

          Bonus!  Get one program free with every order.  Read DESCRIBE.TXT
          for details.  This offer expires 12/31/96.

          My Little Realm Enterprises stands behind all of its products with
          a 30-day money back guarantee.

          Thank you for trying My Little Realm's Checking!

          ____________________________________________________________________
                                                                         
                                                                      page i

                              My Little Realm Enterprises

                                     -  Checking  -

                                        Contents

               General Information......................................1
                    Introduction........................................1
               Overview.................................................1
                    Interface...........................................1
                    Quickeys............................................2
                    Extended Processing Options.........................2
               Getting Started..........................................2
                    Making Your Quickeys................................2
                    Exiting Checking....................................3
               Section One..............................................4
               Program Information......................................4
               The Options Window.......................................4
               Option # 1, Entering New Checks and Deposits.............4
                    Field Definitions...................................4
                         Check Number Field.............................4
                         Date Field.....................................7
                         Pay To Field...................................7
                         Amount Field...................................8
                         Tax Code Field.................................8
                              Special Projects and Tax Codes............9
                         Memo field....................................10
                              <+> Command Rules Summary................11
                              Memo Amount > Check Amount...............11
                              Valid Memo Line Amounts..................11
               Option # 2  Clearing Records/Balancing the Register.....12
                    Step One:  Clearing Records........................13
                    Step Two:  Balancing the Checkbook.................14
               Option # 3, Changing the Information in a Record........15
               Option # 4, Printing and Deleting the File Records......15
                    Print the Entire File..............................16
                    Print the Outstanding Records......................16
                    Print a Tax Record Summary.........................16
                    Delete Records and Compress File...................17
               Section Two.............................................19
               Using Checking the First Time...........................19
                    Things To Do.......................................19
                    Create Your Quickeys...............................19
                    Finding Your Starting Balance......................19
                    Enter Checks And Deposits Into Checking............20
                    Sample Checking Record to be Cleared...............21 

                                                                      page ii


                              My Little Realm Enterprises

                                     -  Checking  -

                                    Contents (cont.)

               
                    The Running Balance Box............................21
                    Running Balance Inconsistencies....................22
                    Entering Checks/Deposits on a Regular Basis........22
                    In Summary.........................................22
                    Sample Register....................................23  
               Balancing Your Checking Account With Checking...........23
               When Books Don't Balance................................25
                    Working Window and Information Box.................25
                    The Bank's Final Balance...........................25
                    Reviewing the Outstanding Records..................25
                    Missing an Entry?..................................26
                    Double Check Your Amount Entries...................26
               Special Situations......................................27
                    Voiding Checks.....................................27
                    Automatic Salary Deposits..........................27
                    Automatic Teller Machines (ATM's)..................27
                    Bank Deductions....................................27
               Extended Processing Options.............................28
                    <\> Change Pay To Name/Tax Codes...................28
                    <|> Enter a New Starting Balance...................29
                    <-> Delete a Specific Record.......................29
                    <+> Reset the Tax Code Field.......................29
                    <#> Switch Between Color and B/W Modes.............29
                    <?> Display EPO Command Set........................29
                                                                            
          Checking                                                     Page 1
          ____________________________________________________________________
          
                                  General Information
          ____________________________________________________________________

                                      Introduction

          When it comes to maintaining records, keeping it simple is keeping
          it fun.  Well, maybe not fun exactly, but it's certainly a lot less
          work.

          My Little Realm's Checking program helps you reduce your check
          balancing time from 1 1/2 hours to 15 minutes or so.  Quickeys make
          data entry fast and easy.

          Checking comes with Pay To name autoinsertion, which appends names 
          to your Quickey list automatically.  It also retrieves a previous 
          record's amount for a given Pay To account.  In other words, if you
          find yourself writing the same amount on a rent check every month, 
          Checking fills in the amount you need automatically.  All you have 
          to do is press <enter> to accept it.

          Checking tracks household expenses, tax items, whatever you want it
          to monitor.  When it comes time to make Uncle Sam happy, choose
          option 4, selection 4 to print the Tax Summary Report.  It prints
          an itemized listing of all your tax records, along with sub-totals
          and final totals.

          Due to the size of this document, it is divided into two sections.
          If you're new to Checking be sure to read Section Two before you 
          attempt to use Checking.  It's an introduction to Checking, replete
          with examples and detailed explanations.  Section One is the 
          reference portion of Checking's documentation.
          ____________________________________________________________________

                                      Overview
          ____________________________________________________________________

                                     Interface

          Windows.
          Checking's screen consists of three types of windows:  a Working 
          Window, a Viewing Window, and an Options Window.  If you are using 
          a color monitor the Viewing Window is always green, the Working 
          Window red and the Options Window blue.  

          The Options Window contains the processes you are likely to need in
          the course of maintaining your checking account.  Adding checks and
          deposits, balancing the account, changing a record's information ...
          that's all accomplished from the Options Window.

          The Working Window in Checking is in the form of a check that you 
          write.  The yellow box inside it displays your running balance.  
          Just below and attached to the Working Window is the Information 
          Box through which Checking communicates with you about field data 
          (reminders called field prompts) and any entry errors you might 
          make.  You create and modify your records in the Working Window. 
          Checking                                                     Page 2

          The Viewing Window is on the right side of the screen.  It lists 
          the Quickeys and their corresponding Pay To names that simplify 
          data entry.

                             ----------------------------

          Quickeys.
          The Quickeys in Checking give you single key access to the names of 
          your creditors (all those people and companies to whom you give or
          mail your checks).  Enter the names of your Pay To recipients once 
          and forget about typing them in ever again.  You can store up to 
          thirty-six Quickey Pay To names.

                             ----------------------------

          Extended Processing Options.
          Several processing tasks, called extended processing options or 
          EPO's, are not listed in the Options Windows, because they are 
          functions that only occasionally need to be performed.  EPO's are
          used to extend a program's power and functionality.

          To find out what EPO commands are employed by Checking, enter <?> 
          (the question mark) in the Options Window.  The EPO definitions for
          Checking begin on page 28.

          ____________________________________________________________________

                                   Getting Started

          The very first thing you'll want to do with Checking is make the 
          program uniquely yours.  To do that, you should create your Pay To 
          names Quickey list.  You can do that in two ways.

          Making Your Quickeys.
          First, you can start using Checking.  As you create your records, 
          Checking looks at the Pay To names to see if they are already on
          the Quickey list.  If they aren't, Checking appends the names to
          the Quickey list for you automatically and displays them in the 
          Viewing Window.  [Note:  Only the first 19 letters of the Pay To 
          names are displayed.]

          Second, you can create your Quickey list directly by using the 
          Change Quickeys function.  Enter <\>, the backslash, in the Options
          Window.  This method also allows you to sort the Quickey Pay To 
          names, change the names that appear in the Working Window, and 
          change the Tax Codes.

               Note:  The Checking and Charging programs of My Little
               Realm/the System share the Tax Code file.  If you have 
               already created your Tax codes with Charging, you do 
               not have to reenter them.                                  
          Checking                                                     Page 3

          You have access to thirty-six Quickeys.  Experience suggests you 
          first go through your checkbook register and use the Change 
          Quickeys function to enter the twenty or twenty-five most 
          frequently occurring Pay To names.

          Sort them if you like.  Then let Checking automatically insert the
          Pay To names that crop up after that.  Remember, you can use the
          Change Quickeys EPO to change, delete, and sort them at any time.

          Names may also be manually entered on checks for those uncommon
          Pay To names that crop up from time to time.

          Checking requires some advance work on your part, like finding your
          starting balance.  For that reason, one cannot simply start using it
          (unless you've just started a new checking account).  Given that, 
          you should read Section Two of this document before you begin using
          Checking.  It takes you through the setup process step by step.

          Exiting Checking.
          You exit Checking by pressing <esc> in the Options Window.  If 
          you've made changes to your checking account file, Checking so 
          notifies you when you attempt to return to your operating system 
          and asks if you want to save the changes.  You will almost always 
          respond with <Y> or <enter> to save the changes.

          If, for some reason, you do not want to save the changes, press <N>.
          Following either response, you'll be returned to DOS.  If you press
          <esc>, Checking returns you instead to the Options Window from 
          where you can resume processing.

          Why would you ever want to not save changes?  Home programs must
          take into account the unwanted help of children who occasionally
          get into a program and wreak havoc.  Should you find that someone
          you love is "helping you" with Checking, don't get angry:  Just 
          exit the program and don't save the changes.

                ___________________________________________________ 
               |                                                   |
               |     Note:  Section One, below, is the reference   |
               |     portion of this document.  Section Two is an  |
               |     introduction to Checking and also contains    |
               |     instructions on how to set up your checking   |
               |     account.  It begins on page 19.               |
               |___________________________________________________|


          Checking is a powerful program that can do a lot for you, but you 
          have to know how to make it work properly to get the most out of
          it.  Please read the rest of this documentation carefully.      
          Checking                                                     Page 4

          ____________________________________________________________________

                                       Section One
          ____________________________________________________________________

                                   Program Information
          ____________________________________________________________________

          The Options Window.
          You have four processing choices in the Options Window:

                  _________________________________________________
                 |                                                 |
                 |       Please enter your selection:  __          |
                 |                                                 |
                 |    1  Checks/Deposits   2  Balancing Books      |
                 |    3  Change            4  Print/Delete         |
                 |_________________________________________________|                   


          There are several EPO's available in Checking as well.  Refer to the
          section entitled "Extended Processing Options" beginning on page 28
          for a complete description of them.
          ____________________________________________________________________

          Option # 1, Entering New Checks and Deposits.

                               ~    Field Definitions     ~ 

          - Check Number field (required).

          This field allows you to declare the type of check or record you 
          want to enter, such as personal checks, regular deposits, 
          autowithdrawals, and interest deposits.

          Checking displays your next check number in this field and a field 
          prompt in the Information Box (which is below the Working Window)
          to remind you of the choices you have in the Check Number field.

          When you have finished entering new checks and deposits, you return
          to the Options Window by pressing <esc> in the Check Number field.

          Information Box with Check Number field prompt:
                    ___________________________________________________
                   |                                                   |
                   |  To enter a check number or make a deposit press: |
                   |  <I>  Bank Interest          <A>  Autowithdrawal  |
                   | <esc>  Exit    <D>  Deposit    <enter>  Accept #  |
                   |        or enter your own number (1 to 9999)       |
                   |___________________________________________________|

               Key     Description

               <I>     Creates a bank interest record (the interest earned 
                       on your checking account).  The bank interest is   
          Checking                                                     Page 5

                       entered after you receive your bank statement, so the 
                       record is cleared automatically when you create the 
                       record since the amount has already been credited to 
                       your account.

               <A>     Creates an autowithdrawal record (non-personal check).
                       This type of record represents those amounts withdrawn 
                       from your account that are not accounted for by your
                       personal checks.  Use this key to create records for 
                       amounts withdrawn from your account automatically by 
                       creditors.  Examples include:
                           
                           1  Life insurance autowithdrawals
                           2  Mortgage payment autowithdrawals
                           3  Deductions by your bank for writing checks
                           4  Automated teller machine (ATM) cash withdrawals 
                           5  Deductions by your bank for a line of credit

                       Any amount drawn against your account that is not 
                       entered as a personal check must be accounted for as 
                       an A (autowithdrawal) type record.

                       The autowithdrawal record may be entered when you make 
                       the actual withdrawal or when you receive your bank 
                       statement.  If the withdrawal has already been cleared, 
                       i.e., you're entering the record from your bank 
                       statement, clear the record when you create it.

                       If the record is for an ATM cash withdrawal, you can 
                       either enter the record when you make the withdrawal 
                       and declare it outstanding, or wait until you receive 
                       the bank statement listing the withdrawal, at which 
                       time you would enter the record and declare it cleared.
                       Refer to Section Two, sub-section "Automated Teller 
                       Machines" page 27 for more information.

               <D>     Creates a deposit record (to your checking account).
                       This record, like an ordinary check entry, must be 
                       cleared manually.  Use this record type for your 
                       automatic payroll deposits as well as your ordinary 
                       deposits.

               <esc>   Ends the input session and returns you to the Options 
                       Window.  Pressing <esc> in any other field in the 
                       Working Window also returns you to the Options Window, 
                       but without creating a record of the data you have 
                       currently showing in the Working Window.

               <enter> Means you accept the displayed check number to create
                       a personal check record which must be manually cleared.  

                       Checking automatically displays the next check number 
                       in the sequence and displays it in the Check Number 
                       field.  [Note:  When the check number reaches 9999, 
          Checking                                                     Page 6
                       
                       Checking automatically resets the check number count 
                       to 1.  If your new series begins with a different 
                       check number, you have to enter it manually the first 
                       time as described in the following paragraph.]

               ####    Enters a new check number to create a personal check.

                       The last item listed in the Information Box gives you 
                       the means to enter a new check number from one to four 
                       digits long.  This is an auto-entry if the number is 
                       four digits long, but you must press <enter> after 
                       anything less.

                       An ordinary check entry is created and must be cleared
                       manually when you balance your checkbook.  These are 
                       records of your personal checks, as are the records 
                       you create by pressing <enter> when Checking offers 
                       you a check number in the Check Number field.  Every
                       other withdrawal from your account is recorded using
                       an A (autowithdrawal) entry.


          In general, you simply press <enter> when Checking asks you for
          the next check number since most checks are written sequentially.  
          If you're just starting out with Checking, the first check number 
          displayed is 1.  To override the displayed check number you merely 
          type in the check number you want to start with (somewhere between 
          1 and 9999).  

          From that point on, Checking keeps track of your check numbers.  If 
          for some reason your checks are written out of order, you can enter
          a new check number at any time, and Checking picks up the sequence 
          at that point.  When you press a deposit, autowithdrawal or bank 
          interest key (D, A, and I, respectively), Checking remembers your 
          next check number and presents it to you again after you finish the
          current entry.

          The displayed check number does not have to be erased to enter any 
          of the letter keys or to enter a new check number.  For example, if 
          Checking is displaying:

                                   Check # 1234_

          just press D to make a deposit record, or I to create a bank 
          interest record, or A to make an autowithdrawal record, or you can 
          simply key in a new check number.  There is no need to delete the 
          displayed check number.  

          If you accidentally begin an entry by pressing the wrong, albeit
          acceptable key (an I instead of a D, for example), you can press
          the up arrow key to return to the Check Number field and reenter
          the correct record type.

          The Check Number field is an automatic field if your entry is four
          digits long, so you do not press <enter> after a four digit entry.
          Furthermore, you need not enter a one, two or three digit check  
          Checking                                                     Page 7

          number with leading zeroes (e.g., 0023).  You can if you wish, of 
          course, it's a matter of preference.  It takes as many keypresses 
          to enter:

                                    0234     [auto-entry]

          as it does to enter:

                                    234      <enter>

          See the section called "Special Situations" on page 27 for more 
          details regarding automatic teller machines, bank interest, 
          automatic salary deposits, and bank deductions.
                                   __________________

          - Date field (required).

          The date must be entered in the standard American format (mm/dd/yy).
          Checking automatically displays the current system date.  If that 
          is acceptable, simply press <enter>.  Otherwise, make the necessary
          changes and proceed.  Checking displays the modified date on
          subsequent records.

          Checking accepts dates for the current month and the four preceding
          months.  You cannot enter future dates.
                                   __________________

          - Pay To field (22, required).

          Enter the name of the check recipient on this line either manually
          or by using the Quickeys found in the Viewing Window.

          To enter a name that appears on your Quickey list, type the 
          corresponding Quickey in the Pay To field and press <enter>.  The 
          Quickeys can be entered in upper or lower case.  Use the Quickeys 
          whenever possible to avoid unnecessary keystrokes.

                         Note:  Not all of the Pay To names are
                         visible at one time.  Use the <pageup> 
                         and <pagedown> keys to switch between
                         the two Viewing Window screens.

          If you enter a name manually that does not appear on the Quickey
          list, Checking appends it to the Quickey list automatically if 
          there is space on your list.

          In some cases Checking enters the Pay To Field name for you.  If 
          the entry is a deposit (that is, if in the Check Number field you 
          pressed D), Checking writes in "Deposit" for you.  If you entered I
          in the Check Number field, Checking inserts "Bank Interest" in this
          field.                                                          
          Checking                                                     Page 8

          Consistent Use of the Quickeys.
          One note of caution ... The Review program you get when you buy the
          registered version of Checking uses your checking file to create a 
          year-to-date summary of all your Quickey Pay To names, but it 
          requires that you use the Quickeys consistently, otherwise the 
          accuracy of the tabulations in the Y-T-D Summary, found in the 
          Review program, may be called into question.  

          For example, if when entering checks you sometimes press Quickey J 
          for "Ye Local Grocer" and sometimes enter "YLG" on the Pay To line 
          manually, the records you entered as "YLG" will not be tallied along
          with those you entered using Quickey J.
                                   __________________

          - Amount field (currency precision, required).

          The next entry is the Amount field.  An amount may be as large as
          99999.99.  (That's $99,999.99.)  Do not enter dollar signs or 
          commas, only numbers and decimal points are allowed.

          You need not enter a decimal point followed by two digits when 
          keying in a whole amount.  The following examples illustrate 
          acceptable figures:

               For $90.00 enter ->     90  or  90.  or  90.0  or  90.00
               For $90.70 enter ->     90.7  or 90.70
               For $90.75 enter ->     90.75
                                   __________________

          - Tax Code field (single character entry, optional).

          If you've taken the time to set up your Tax codes, Checking displays
          them in the Information Box when your response to this field is 
          required.  If you want to skip this field press <enter>.

          If you have not set up any Tax codes, Checking automatically skips 
          this field when you are entering checks and deposits.

          The Tax Code field allows you to tag each check or deposit with a 
          particular classification that can later be used to sum on.  You can
          define up to four categories.  Checking comes with four Tax codes as
          defaults, but you can easily change them at the time you create your
          own Pay To name Quickeys by using the <\> EPO (the Change Quickeys 
          function).

          These codes correspond to the tax item box found in most ordinary
          checkbook registers.  The difference here is that you don't have to
          manually go through all of your checking records at the end of the 
          year, sort them into their proper categories, and tally them with 
          your solar powered calculator.

          All you have to do to get a complete listing of your deductions for
          all four categories is run Checking, and choose option 4, and 
          select 3 in the sub-menu to print the Tax Summary.             
          Checking                                                     Page 9

          Income can be tracked using the Tax codes.  If you want to track 
          your part-time income (which you deposit into your checking 
          account), set up one of the Tax codes as PT Income.   Then, when 
          you deposit a check from a client, tag the record of that deposit 
          with the appropriate Tax code.

          If you deposit that income along with the rebate you received on 
          your new portcullis and some spare cash you found in Merlin's 
          Cave, be sure you deduct that portion of the deposit that is not 
          part of your income on the Memo line using the <+> command, called 
          the plus command, (see the Memo field description on page 10).

          Example:

                        175.00      income from part-time job       
                         25.00      rebate on new portcullis
                         36.75      cash from Merlin's Cave
                       -------
                        236.75   =  total deposit (goes on Amount line)
                       -175.00      less taxable income being deposited
                       -------
                         61.75   =  amount to go on Memo line
                                         (using the <+> command)

          The <+> command on the Memo line is used in conjunction with the Tax
          codes to report an overage (i.e., an excess) in a record's amount to
          Checking.  Thus, this record's Memo line would look like:

                                   Memo:  +61.75

          Checking would then deduct the $61.75 from the total amount of the 
          Tax code category you set up as PT Income when it printed that 
          amount (when you print the Tax Summary Report).

          It's a good idea to double-check your figures, especially those
          used for tax purposes.  It doesn't take much time to keep accurate 
          records in Checking, and by keeping accurate records you can 
          significantly reduce the amount of time you spend working on the 
          Internal Revenue Service's wish list.

          The Tax codes do not have to represent those items that are solely 
          additions or deductions to your income.  In other words, they do not
          have to have anything at all to do with taxes.

          Special Projects and Tax Codes.
          If you're planning a major renovation to the realm, for example, you
          might want to track costs.  Make one of the Tax codes Home Costs, 
          and whenever you pay for something pertaining to that home 
          improvement, be sure you tag that record as a Home Costs item.

          Another way to utilize the Tax codes is to assign each code a more
          domestic function.  Would you like to know what you spend in
          groceries every year?  Make Tax code 1 Groceries.  If you want to 
          keep track of your rental payments, make Tax code 2 Rent.  And if
          you pay gasoline bills with gasoline credit cards, you can make
          Tax code 3 Gasoline, and every time you pay a gasoline credit card
          bill with a check, tag the entry with a 3 in the Tax Code field. 
          Checking                                                    Page 10

          You can also use the Tax Code field to track your cash expenditures.
          Define one of the Tax codes as Cash.  Then, when you make the entry
          for the cash withdrawal (be it a check made out to cash or to 
          yourself) tag that record with the Cash Tax code.  You can then 
          print out the results using the Tax Summary function in Checking.

          If you wish to change Tax codes in mid-year, be sure you use the <+>
          EPO to reset the Tax codes you want to change.  For example, if you
          had set up Tax code 1 to be business expense and later that same 
          year you decided to change it to charity, you would have to reset 
          Tax code 1 to blank in all of your records before making the change.

          Otherwise, all of those records with a Tax code of 1 which were 
          business expenses would be included with your new Tax code records 
          that are charitable deductions.

          Refer to the section entitled "Extended Processing Options", Reset 
          Tax Code Fields, on page 29 for more information on the <+> EPO.
                                   __________________

          - Memo field (24, optional).

          The Memo field allows you to put a reminder on your records if you 
          wish, just as you might with a real check.  You can include almost
          anything, but there is one symbol you can place on the Memo line in
          Checking that has special significance, that is the <+> command.
          
          The <+> Command.
          The <+> command on the Memo line is used in conjunction with the 
          Tax codes to report an overage (i.e., an excess) in a record's 
          amount to Checking.  Checking uses this information when it 
          generates the Tax Summary Report.

          If you decide to make one of your categories Groceries, for example,
          you can use the Memo field to deduct any cash you get while at the 
          store.  Let's say you bought groceries that cost $135.48 and then 
          you wrote out your personal check for an amount that was fifty 
          dollars greater so you'd have some cash.

          On that record's Amount line you would enter 185.48 (the total 
          amount of the check), and on the Memo line you would enter:

                                Memo:  +50 got some cash

          which tells Checking that it should subtract that amount, $50.00, 
          when it calculates the Tax code totals.  

          When you run the Tax Summary function, you'll find out exactly how 
          much you spent on groceries and how much you withdrew as cash,  
          Checking                                                    Page 11

          because at the end of the Tax Summary Report the final tabulations 
          are listed in this fashion:

                                Groceries    Bus. Exp.   Bus. Inc.    Charity
                  Tax totals:    $2500.36     $650.55     $3021.33   $1002.00
             Less deductions:     $430.00       $0.00        $0.00      $0.00
               Final results:    $2070.36     $650.55     $3021.00   $1002.00

          From the final tabulations you can see that $2500.36 was spent at 
          grocery stores, but that $430 was deducted as cash.

                    Note:  If a record does not have a Tax code 
                    (i.e., the Tax Code field is blank), Checking 
                    ignores any <+> command when generating the 
                    Tax Summary Report.
                                         __________

                                <+> Command Rules Summary

                    1.  Amount must immediately follow a plus (+) sign
                    2.  Amount must be followed immediately by a blank space
                    3.  Amount can appear anywhere on the line, along with
                             other notes you wish to append
                    4.  Amount must be less than $1,000.00
                    5.  Amount must be a positive number
                    6.  There can be only one <+> command per Memo line 
                    7.  Amount on Memo line must be less than or equal to 
                             the amount of the check or deposit
                    8.  Do not include dollar signs or commas

          Memo Amount > Check Amount.
          Checking notifies you if it finds a valid Memo line amount that is 
          greater than the amount of the check at the time the Memo line 
          amount is entered.  You must reenter one or the other. Checking does
          not flag what it considers to be invalid amounts on the Memo line 
          at the time of entry.

          If an amount you enter is not valid to Checking (even if it finds 
          the <+> symbol), Checking assumes you have entered data not meant 
          to be numeric, and consequently, not meant to be subtracted from 
          the check or deposit amount.

          Valid Memo Line Amounts.
          Whole dollar amounts do not need to be entered as dollars and cents
          amounts (e.g., 50.00 can be entered as 50).  Valid Memo line amount
          examples include:

                         Memo Line                     Actual amount

                    cash at store+++50                      50.00
                         +32.3                              32.30
                    +27.56 deducting gift                   27.56

          To be sure you are getting the deductions you want, run the Tax 
          Summary function (option 4, selection 3).  In addition to the Pay To
          name, the check number, and the record number, Checking prints,
          in parentheses, any valid Memo line amount it finds.            
          Checking                                                    Page 12

          If you aren't getting an amount in parentheses when you should be, 
          you have entered the Memo line amount incorrectly.  If so, you can 
          use the Change function in the Options Window to correct the record.
          Refer to the <+> command rules summary above when making 
          corrections.
          
          The record numbers appear on the Tax Summary printout so you can go
          directly to the records in question if you need to make any changes.

          Note:  Checking ignores the Memo line's <+> command on bank interest
          (I type) records.
          ____________________________________________________________________

          Option # 2, Clearing Records/Balancing the Register.

          Invoke this two-step procedure after receiving your bank statement.
          The first step involves clearing those records that have cleared 
          your bank (the checks and deposits listed on your bank statement).
          The second step requires you to enter the bank's final balance.

          Before clearing any of your records, go through your bank statement
          to see if there are any withdrawals or deposits that are not
          accounted for in your register.  These would be items like interest
          charges on a line of credit, cash withdrawal charges, bank interest
          deposits, autowithdrawals, and so on.  If there are, you should 
          invoke option 1 from the Options Window and add those items to your
          checking file.  Don't forget to write them in your register, too.

                    Note:  If you haven't used the Balancing function 
                    before, you should read "Balancing Your Checking 
                    Account With Checking" found on page 23.  It takes 
                    you through the entire procedure step by step.

          Step One:  Clearing Records.
          Checks and deposits are either "outstanding" or "cleared".  When 
          you enter Balancing Books, Checking displays the first outstanding 
          check or deposit it finds in its file and asks, in the following 
          manner, if the status of that record has changed:

                    Change this check's status?  <Y>  <N>  <C>  __
              or
                    Change this deposit's status?  <Y>  <N>  <C>  __

          You respond <Y> or <N> for yes and no, respectively, or you can 
          change the contents of the record by pressing <C>, if you notice an
          error in the Amount field.  You can also move about freely through 
          the outstanding records by using the directional keys.

          The current status of a check or deposit appears in the Working 
          Window above the Pay To Field label.                           
          Checking                                                    Page 13
          
          With your balance sheet in hand you simply compare the check number
          and the amount that Checking displays on the screen with the check
          number and amount printed on the balance statement.  If that 
          record's check number appears on the statement and the amounts
          coincide, press <Y> or <enter> to clear it.

          Checking changes that record's status from outstanding to cleared 
          and displays the next outstanding record.

          If the record doesn't show up on the bank statement, press <N> or 
          the right directional key to advance to the next record without
          clearing it.

                    Note:  If you inadvertently clear a record, use 
                    the directional keys to find it again (usually 
                    just one press of the left-pointing arrow key) 
                    and change the status back to its original value 
                    by pressing <Y> or <enter> again.

          Be sure to mark your records cleared in your register, too.  You 
          might eventually opt to skip this step, but if you're just starting
          out, it is a good idea.  This step gives you a physical backup in
          case something happens to your Checking file.

          Step Two:  Balancing the Checkbook.
          After you've gone through all of the records appearing on your bank
          statement, Checking asks if you wish to balance your register.  If 
          you've already entered your bank interest (I) and autowithdrawal (A)
          checks, as you should have, then by all means balance it.

          Enter the final balance appearing on your statement.  If the numbers
          balance, Checking congratulates you.  Press any key to return to the
          Options Window.  [Tip:  Make a notation in your checkbook register
          after the last entry that you successfully balanced the books and 
          the date.  Do it in red ink so it stands out.]

          If something is amiss, Checking displays the difference between 
          what your running balance is and what it should be.  Jot down that 
          amount.  Directly beneath that information Checking displays a 
          sub-menu offering you two choices.

                         A  Review current outstanding records
                         B  Reenter bank's final balance

          If you wish to exit the Balancing Books function and attempt to 
          find the error elsewhere, press <esc>, and you'll be returned to 
          the Options Window.  Normally you would not select <esc>.

          Balancing errors take many forms.  Should you encounter any, refer 
          to "When Books Don't Balance" on page 25 (Section Two) for more 
          information.  In general, you should first check the amount you 
          entered as the bank's final balance with the actual final balance 
          on the balance statement.  If they disagree, select the B option 
          from the above sub-menu to reenter the bank's final balance.  
          Checking                                                    Page 14

          If they match, however, and the difference is sizeable, it is quite
          possible that you have forgotten to clear a record you should have,
          or you have cleared a record you shouldn't have.  If the difference
          noted with the error message is small, it is likely that you have 
          transposed some of the numbers in the amount field.

          In any event, select A to return to the outstanding records.  Find 
          the record or records in error, press <esc> to advance once more to
          the balancing phase of this procedure and reenter the bank's final 
          balance.

          Reminder # 1.
          If you forget to enter your autowithdrawals and bank interest 
          records before you clear your personal checks and deposits, press 
          <esc> when Checking asks you if you want to balance your checkbook.  
          Return to the Options Window and enter your A and I records using 
          option 1.  Then go back into option 2, Balancing Books.

          When Checking asks if you want to change the status of the displayed
          record, press <esc>.  (Remember, your I records are cleared when you
          create them, and you should have cleared the A records when you 
          entered them since they have already cleared your account.)

          Checking then asks if you want to balance your account, at which
          point you reply yes, and enter the bank's final balance.

          Reminder # 2.
          If you accidentally mark a record cleared, you can undo the mistake
          by using the arrow keys to find the record in question and pressing
          <Y> or <enter>.  Since the Balancing Books function is asking if you
          want to change the status of a record, answering repeatedly in the 
          affirmative acts as a toggle to change the status from outstanding 
          to cleared and back to outstanding again.

          This feature is extremely useful.  For example:  If, after you enter
          the bank's final balance, Checking notifies you of an error, you can
          tell Checking to redisplay the current outstanding records (those 
          that were outstanding when you entered the Balancing Books function
          initially) by selecting the A option from the above sub-menu.

          Balancing Books displays the same "Change status" query, allowing 
          you to change the status of any record you might have erroneously 
          changed (or forgotten to change) the first time through.

          Reminder # 3.
          When clearing checks and deposits be sure you verify the amounts 
          that you entered in Checking against those on the bank statement.  
          This is the first step in preventing balancing problems.  If you 
          find an entry error, press <C> to correct the problem before 
          continuing.                                                  
          Checking                                                    Page 15

          ____________________________________________________________________

          Option # 3, Changing the Information in a Record.

          This option allows you to make changes and corrections quickly and
          easily.  It also lets you void checks if the need arises.  

          Checking asks for the record number.  By entering the record number, 
          Checking can take you directly to the record you want to change.  If 
          you don't know the number of the record,  you can find the record 
          quickly and easily.  Just press <enter> when the record number is 
          requested.  You can then use the arrow keys to browse through the 
          file.  
          
          If you have a lot of records in your file, enter an approximate 
          record number and then use the arrow keys to search the file from 
          that point.  When Checking displays the record you want to change, 
          press <Y> or <enter> to select it.

          After you find the record, Checking displays a sub-menu of the 
          changes that you're allowed to make.  Select the appropriate hotkey 
          and Checking puts your cursor at the end of the field's contents.  

          Should you press an incorrect hotkey, press <esc>, and Checking 
          reinstates that field's old value.  To delete the old value, press 
          <alt> + <C> and then <enter>.

          When Checking displays the sub-menu, you will oft-times notice that 
          one or more of the hotkeys of the selections are not highlighted.  
          This means that you cannot make changes to those fields for that 
          record.

          For example, if you are changing a deposit record, Checking does 
          not allow you to change the Pay To field contents.  If you're 
          working on a bank interest record, Checking won't accept a Tax code
          change.  Finally, you are not allowed to change the record type of 
          an entry.  That is, you cannot change a deposit to a check, a 
          deposit to an autowithdrawal, an autowithdrawal to a deposit, etc.
          ____________________________________________________________________

          Option # 4, Printing and Deleting the File Records.
                
          Checking displays a sub-menu from which you can choose to perform 
          any of the following tasks:
                          
                    1.  Print the entire checking file
                    2.  Print the outstanding checks only
                    3.  Print a tax record summary
                    4.  Delete old records and compress file
                    5.  Return to the Options Window

          If you want to abort any of the above printouts (selections 1, 2, 
          or 3) press <esc>.                                           
          Checking                                                    Page 16

          Selection # 1, Print the Entire File.

          This selection prints out your entire checking account file in 
          register form, beginning with your starting balance and ending with 
          your current running balance.  It also prints the total outstanding
          amounts for your checks and deposits.
                                   __________________

          Selection # 2, Print the Outstanding Records.

          Selection 2 prints your outstanding check amounts and deposit 
          amounts in separate columns and totals each.
                                   __________________

          Selection # 3, Print a Tax Record Summary.

          The third selection prints only those records that have been tagged 
          with a Tax code.  The four Tax code categories are listed in 
          separate columns.  After all of the Tax code records have been 
          listed with their amounts under the appropriate Tax code headings, 
          the sub-totals and final totals are shown in a chart similar to the 
          one in the following example.

                                Groceries    Bus. Exp.   Bus. Inc.    Charity
             Tax totals:         $2500.36     $650.55     $3021.33   $1002.00
             Less deductions:     $430.00       $0.00        $0.00      $0.00
             Final results:      $2070.36     $650.55     $3021.00   $1002.00

          You can choose to run the Tax Summary function on either the 
          current year or the previous year.  

          Each tax record generates two or three lines of output.  On the 
          first line are the record number, the check number (in angled
          brackets), the date (in MM/DD format), and any valid Memo Line
          amount (in parentheses).  On the second line are the Pay To name 
          followed by the check's amount under the appropriate category 
          heading.  If there is a memo, it is printed on the third line.
          Example:

                                                 Charity   Bus. Exp.  .......
               107  <3213>  10/08  ( 21.75)
               Benny's Beanery                                120.45
               +21.75 for a present  

          This sample tax record is record number 107, check number 3213, 
          created on October 8 of the selected year (which appears at the top
          of the report), and it has a valid Memo Line amount of $21.75.  The
          second line has the Pay To name and the check's amount printed 
          under the appropriate category heading.  The third line shows the 
          memo which is "+21.75 for a present".

          At the end of the Tax Summary report, Checking prints the totals 
          for each category, subtracts the deductions, and shows you the
          final tallies.                                              
          Checking                                                    Page 17

          If you have not defined your Tax Code fields, you will not be able 
          to run the Tax Summary function.  And remember, the Tax Code fields 
          can be used to categorize your records any way you want.  They do 
          not have to be used solely for tax purposes.  You can categorize 
          your checks as educational expenses, music lessons, or travel 
          expenses; and your deposits as part-time income, if you so desire.  
          The only requirement is that they refer to your checking account.

          One Final Note.
          If you are using the Tax Summary Report for tax purposes, always 
          double-check each entry to ensure its validity.  Be sure you have a
          receipt for every medical deduction, charitable deduction, and so 
          on.  If you are using the <+> command, make certain that the Memo 
          line amounts are correct.  When you're positive that all of the 
          amounts are correct, print out a final copy and keep it with your 
          tax records.
                                   __________________

          Selection # 4, Delete Old Records and Compress File.

          The final task performed under the # 4 option is the record delete 
          and file compression function.  This should be run once a year, 
          ideally at the beginning of the year after you've run the Tax 
          Summary Report and after most of the previous year's checks and 
          deposits have cleared.  
          
          This task removes many of the records in your file that are not 
          outstanding that have a year date less than the system's year date.
          You don't have to save the deleted records, but you might want to 
          find some piece of information stored on one.  If you decide to 
          save them, Checking creates a dump file called SAVECHCK.MLR that
          you can save to floppy disk.

          You do not have to save any subsequent year's deleted records on the 
          same disk that you are saving this year's deleted records.  If you 
          do, Checking notifies you that there is a previous dump file on the 
          disk and asks you to select an appropriate action from the following 
          sub-menu.

                              1  Abort this function
                              2  Delete the old dump file
                              3  Replaced the floppy, try again
                              4  Rename old dump file

          If you decide you want to keep the old dump file, you must either 
          remove the floppy and put in another (selection 3) or tell Checking 
          to rename the old file (selection 4).  Checking keeps the base name 
          SAVECHCK and appends a unique extension.  You can also direct 
          Checking to erase the older version of the dump file (selection 2) 
          and proceed with the Delete/Compress function or, finally, you can 
          elect to abort the D/C function altogether (selection 1).  
          Checking                                                    Page 18

                    Suggestion:  Keep all of your dump files on a
                    single high density floppy disk.  If you are
                    also using MLR's Charging program, you can put
                    its dump files on the same disk with no 
                    conflicts.  Keep this disk, then, solely for
                    the Checking and Charging dump files.

          Do not run the Delete/Compress function too often.  As already 
          noted, once a year is ideal.  If you are not cramped for hard disk 
          space, you can probably afford to run it every other year.  Given 
          that situation, however, Checking would, when you did run 
          Delete/Compress, erase two years of records, putting them in the 
          dump file if you requested one.  If you would rather have each dump 
          file contain a single year, then you should maintain a yearly 
          delete/compress regimen.

                                      Important!

          If you plan to generate the Tax Summary Report, do not run the 
          Delete/Compress function until after you have created that report.  
          That report can only be created from the records that exist on 
          your hard disk drive (i.e., in your master file).  If you are 
          planning to maintain a yearly housekeeping regimen, print your Tax 
          Summary Report and make sure it is correct before you run the 
          Delete/Compress function.

                                    Date Warning!

          Potential problems await you if you do not keep your system's date 
          accurate, especially with this function.  You risk losing your 
          entire file, for example, if you've allowed your system date to lag 
          a year or two behind and then correct it before running this pro-
          cedure.  If, for instance, you've been creating records while the
          system year date was 1991, when in fact the real date was 1992, and 
          then you correct the date prior to running this function, Checking 
          deletes all of the records that have a year date that is less than 
          the current year date that are not outstanding ... which in this 
          case could be most of your file.  Please, keep the date accurate.
          Checking                                                    Page 19

          ____________________________________________________________________
          ____________________________________________________________________

                                       Section Two
          ____________________________________________________________________

                              Using Checking the First Time

               Things To Do.

               1.  Create your Pay To Quickey List.
               2.  Find your starting balance.
               3.  Enter all of your checks/deposits into Checking.
               4.  Clear the checks/deposits that have cleared the bank.
               5.  Enter checks on a regular basis.

          Create Your Quickeys.
          Checking contains a function called AutoInsert which checks the
          Pay To name of every check you enter with the names on your Pay To 
          Quickey list.  If there is an empty slot in the Quickey list and 
          the Pay To name you entered on the check does not appear on the 
          list, Checking automatically puts that name on your Quickey list.

          It is to your advantage, therefore, to run the Change Quickeys 
          function first, and enter at least twenty of the most frequent Pay 
          To names in your checkbook register.  While you can run Checking 
          without the Quickeys, you gain few advantages by doing so because 
          you would have to enter all of the Pay To names manually.  This can
          lead to misspellings, frustration, miscalculations, etc.

          Specific directions for creating your Pay To Quickey list may be
          found under the heading "Extended Processing Options" on page 28.

          Finding Your Starting Balance.
          The only choice in the Options Window available the first time you 
          run Checking is 1, Checks/Deposits, which you use to enter your new
          checks and deposits.
          
          Checking knows that you have no records in your file and asks for a
          starting balance.  You must enter a starting balance.  The starting
          balance should be entered without dollar signs or commas, and it 
          must be greater than zero.

          Since you probably won't be starting a new checking account at the
          same time you start using Checking, you'll have to determine a 
          starting balance by delving into your checkbook register.       
          Checking                                                    Page 20

          Assuming you balance your checkbook regularly, go back in your 
          register to the last time you balanced it.  If (and this is 
          important) there are no outstanding checks or deposits occurring 
          before that date, use the running balance you have as of that date 
          as your starting balance. 

          If there are outstanding entries that predate the most recent 
          register balancing, go to the previous register balancing and see if
          there are any outstanding entries that predate it.  If there aren't, 
          then use that amount and enter all of the checks and deposits that 
          have been written since then.

          Hint:  If you haven't balanced your checkbook recently, you might 
          want to postpone using Checking until you bring your register up to
          date.  Wait until your bank sends you a new bank statement and 
          balance the account.  Then follow the advice given in the preceding
          paragraphs.

          ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
          ??                                                               ??
          ??   Is your checking account beyond hope?   You might find it   ?? 
          ??   advantageous to start a new account  ...  just a thought.   ??
          ??                                                               ??
          ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

          Enter Checks And Deposits Into Checking.
          Once you have found your starting balance, press <1> in the Options
          Window and give Checking your starting balance.  Once you have 
          entered that information, enter your regular checks and deposits.
          Enter all of the checks and deposits that have occurred from the 
          time of your starting balance to the present.

          Important:  At this point you should consider reading "Option 1, 
          Entering Checks and Deposits" which starts on page 4.  It describes
          how the various records (i.e., personal checks, automatic 
          withdrawals, deposits, and interest payments) are entered.

          Clearing the Checks and Deposits.
          After you've entered all of your checks and deposits, return to the
          Options Window and press <2> to start the Balancing Books function.

          You must now clear all of those checks and deposits that have 
          already cleared your bank.  (In theory these cleared items have been
          marked cleared in your register, so you only need to copy that 
          information over to Checking.)

          In clearing your records, the Balancing Books function displays the
          first of your outstanding checks in the Working Window as shown 
          here.                                                          
          Checking                                                    Page 21

                        Sample Checking Record to be Cleared

             --- Working Window
            |    
            |    ____________________________________________________
            |   | User Name # 1                                      |
            |   | User Name # 2                 Balance:  $2,398.12  |
            |   |                                                    |
            |   | Outstanding       Check # 4202    Date:  05/25/93  |
             -->|                                                    |
                | Pay To [Alabama Car Rental  ]    Amt:   $213.45    |
                |                                                    |
                | Tax Code [4]        Memo [Business trip        ]   |
                |____________________________________________________|
                |                                                    |
                |    Change this check's status?  <Y>  <N>  <C>  _   |
             -->|    This is record # 1.                             |
            |   |    Use the arrow keys to view your records.        |
            |   |____________________________________________________|
            |
             --- Information Box

          In the Information Box, the Balancing Books function asks if you
          want to change the status of the displayed check or deposit.  The 
          status of a check or deposit is either outstanding or cleared.  If 
          you press <Y> or <enter> to the above question, Checking changes 
          the status from outstanding to cleared (or from cleared to out-
          standing) and then displays the next outstanding check or deposit.

          In this way, if you make a mistake by declaring a check cleared when
          it isn't, simply press an arrow key to find the record in question
          and press <enter> or <Y> again to change the status back to its 
          original value.

          In the above example, check # 4202 is shown to be outstanding.  To 
          clear it, simply press <Y> or <enter>.  Balancing Books then 
          displays the next record, if there is another one.  [Note:  If you
          want to peruse your outstanding records, use the left and right
          directional keys.]

          If you press <N> in response to the above question, the Balancing 
          Books function displays the next outstanding record in your file 
          without changing the status of the displayed record.  You can 
          achieve the same effect by using the right-pointing directional key.
          If you press <esc>, you advance to the next phase of this function,
          namely, balancing your register.  The <C> response is for change,
          and is used when you are actually balancing your checkbook.  Using
          the <C> response allows you to change the values in any of the 
          fields on the check on the fly.  Read "Option 2, Clearing Records/
          Balancing the Register" found on page 12 for details.

          The Running Balance Box.
          Checking displays your running balance in the yellow box (called the
          Running Balance Box) you see in the Working Window.  As you enter 
          checks and deposits, that running balance is adjusted accordingly.
                                                                        
          Checking                                                    Page 22

          The running balance Checking displays and the running balance you 
          have in your register (assuming you've entered a running balance 
          after every transaction in your register) should match as you make 
          your entries.  If, at any point, a discrepancy arises between the 
          two amounts, you should resolve the inconsistency before you 
          continue.

          Running Balance Inconsistencies.
          This should bring your account up to the present.  Your running
          balance, shown in the Running Balance Box in the Working Window
          should be the same as the last balance entry in your register.

          If it isn't, return to the Options Window and invoke the Change
          function, option 3.  View your records using the arrow keys, paying
          special attention to each record's amount and record type (make sure
          you entered checks as checks, deposits as deposits).  If you see an
          error, correct it at this time.
          
          If you still can't figure out where the problem is, choose option 4,
          and select 1, Print Entire File.  This comprehensive report gives 
          you a detailed listing of your checking account, showing your 
          running balance after each entry.

          If you are still wondering where the problem lies, make certain that
          you've entered your starting balance correctly.  Press <|> (the pipe
          symbol key) in the Options Window to bring up the Change Starting 
          Balance function.  If the starting balance needs to be corrected, 
          you can do so now.  If it's correct, press <esc>.

          Entering Checks/Deposits on a Regular Basis.
          It isn't necessary to run Checking every time you write a check or 
          make a deposit.  Unless you need to know precisely how much you have
          at any given point in time, simply write checks and make deposits, 
          noting the necessary data in your register.  Then let the 
          transactions accumulate for one or two weeks.
          
          After you have a half dozen or so (it depends on you) transactions 
          to record, enter them in Checking in a single session.  [Note:  
          Remember to write the final running balance, found in the Running 
          Balance Box, in your register when you've finished the session.]

          In Summary.
          As mentioned earlier, Checking adjusts the balance in the Running 
          Balance Box after each record you enter.  You need not write the new
          running balance in your register after every transaction you enter.

          It's a lot easier to enter all of your transactions and then make a
          note of the running balance at the end of that session on the line 
          with your last check or deposit in the Balance column of your 
          register before you leave Checking.

          Be sure you write the running balance in your register after each
          session so that you'll remember where you stopped.  If you don't, 
          you could accidentally reenter several transactions in your 
          register.  (Should that ever happen, use the <-> EPO to delete them.
          That EPO is defined on page 29.)                                
          Checking                                                    Page 23

                                     Sample Register
           __________________________________________________________________
          |  Check  Date  Pay To              Payment    Deposit    Balance  |
          |                                                        $1000.00  |
          |  1001   3/10  Meat Market           10.26                        |
          |  1002   3/11  Millwright           210.33                        |
          |  DPST   3/13  (sold Mallards)                  56.74             |
          |  1003   3/16  Molly Milliner         8.21                        |
          |  1004   3/17  Moe's Moat Makers     27.47                        |
          |  1005   3/20  Master Maccaby        11.94                788.53  |
          |__________________________________________________________________|


          Notice in the above sample register that the running balance was not
          entered into the Balance column after every transaction.  The user
          entered all six of the transactions in a single session and then 
          copied the running balance from the Running Balance Box in the 
          Working Window to the Balance column in the register.

          The user would then wait until another half dozen or so transactions
          had been entered into the register before updating Checking's 
          checking account again.

          If you want to copy the running balance into your register after 
          every transaction, feel free to do so.  You might feel more 
          comfortable with that arrangement at first.  It's just more work, 
          and that's what Checking has been designed to help you avoid.

          ____________________________________________________________________


          Balancing Your Checking Account With Checking.
          To balance your account you'll need your register, bank statement, 
          deposit slips, autowithdrawal receipts, ATM receipts, autodeposit 
          receipts, canceled checks, etc.  You might not need or have all of 
          the items listed here.  Different banks do things differently.  Some 
          banks send receipts of your autowithdrawals, some merely provide 
          the data you find printed on your statement, and still others do it
          both ways.  The trick is to make sure you have all of the 
          information you need.

          Then ...

          1.   Bring your register up to date by writing in it all of the 
               automatic withdrawals, bank interest deposits, and bank charges
               which are listed on your bank statement but which do not appear
               in your register.

               All of the withdrawals and deposits that do not already appear
               in your register (but are listed on the bank statement) must be
               entered.  You should mark all of these transactions cleared in
               your register since they have already cleared your account.

          2.   Bring your Checking checking account up to date by entering 
               all of the new transactions you now have in your register using 
               option 1 in the Options Window.                           
          Checking                                                    Page 24

                    Note:  Any amount deducted from your account that is
                    not represented by a personal check is made an <A> type
                    (autowithdrawal) record.  Bank interest entries are <I>
                    type records.  <A> type records can be declared cleared
                    or outstanding when you create them.  If you are getting
                    the information for the creation of these records from the 
                    bank statement, then you should mark them cleared.  If,
                    however, you've decided to enter your ATM cash withdrawals
                    when you make the withdrawal rather than when you receive
                    your bank statement, enter those records as <A> type and
                    declare them outstanding.

               After you've entered all of your new transactions from your
               bank statement, write your running balance in your register's 
               Balance column.

          3.   Return to the Options Window and choose option 2, Balancing
               Books.  Checking displays your records beginning with the 
               oldest and asks if each has cleared.
               
               Refer to your bank statement.  If the record Checking shows you
               is listed there, mark the transaction cleared in your register
               and press <Y>, for yes, or press <enter>, to Checking's query.

               You should also make a little checkmark next to the transaction
               on the bank statement.  If it isn't listed on your bank 
               statement (i.e., if it hasn't yet cleared your bank), press 
               <N> or the right arrow key.  When you've cleared all of the 
               transactions on your bank statement, press <esc>.

                    Note:  Remember that your bank interest records are 
                    cleared upon entry.  That means they are not
                    displayed to you when you are clearing your normal 
                    records.  Your A type records may or may not appear,
                    depending on whether you declared them outstanding or
                    cleared when you created the records.

               As you mark your records cleared, be sure you compare the 
               amount of the check or deposit as it appears on your bank 
               statement to the amount in the corresponding checking account 
               record in Checking.  It's easy, fast, and it's the single most 
               important step you can perform to prevent balancing problems.
               [Note:  If there's a discrepancy between the two and the 
               problem lies in the amount of the record in Checking, press
               <C> to change the record's amount.]

               If you inadvertently mark a record cleared that isn't, use 
               the left pointing arrow key to move back to that record and 
               press <Y> or <enter> to reverse the record's status.

          4.   After you've updated all of your outstanding records, press 
               <esc> to go to the second phase of Balancing Books.
               
               Checking asks if you want to balance your checking account.
               Press <Y>.  Then all Checking needs to know is the ending  
          Checking                                                    Page 25

               balance on your bank statement.  It makes all of the necessary
               calculations and report its results.  If everything balances, 
               make a note in your register to that effect.  If the books 
               don't balance, Checking displays the difference, and you'll
               have some sleuthing to do.

          ____________________________________________________________________

                               When Books Don't Balance

          If a discrepancy arises between what your running balance is and 
          what the bank claims you have, Checking displays the following 
          information in the Working Window and Information Box.

                          Working Window and Information Box

             ______________________________________________________________  
            |                                     _______________________  |
            |  User name # 1                     |                       | |
            |  User name # 2                     | Balance:  $1,174.70   | |
            |                                    |_______________________| |
            |                                                              |
            |   Bank's balance  ==>  $1,222.50                  ^          |
            |    Plus deposits  ==>  $  232.20                  |          |
            |     Minus checks  ==>  $  302.10                  |          |
            | Your balance           ---------                  |          |
            |      should be    ==>  $1,152.60       < ----- Trouble!      |
            |--------------------------------------------------------------|
            |        Difference ==>  $   22.10                             |
            |            A   Review current outstanding records            |
            |            B   Reenter the bank's final balance              |
            |______________________________________________________________|


          The difference between what your balance is (found in the Running 
          Balance Box) and what it should be, using the amount you entered as
          the bank's final balance, is displayed in the Information Box along 
          with two options as shown in the example above.  Jot it down before 
          proceeding.
                                        _________

          The Bank's Final Balance.
          When Checking displays the blinking Trouble! warning, the very first 
          item to check is the bank's final balance.  If the amount you 
          entered as the bank's final amount (shown at the top of Checking's 
          computations) is incorrect, press <B> to reenter it.  (Refer to the 
          sample Warning! screen above.)
                                        _________

          Reviewing the Outstanding Records.
          If you've made an error by declaring one of the records cleared when 
          it wasn't (or you left one outstanding when it should have been 
          cleared), you can quickly change that record's status and rerun the 
          balancing portion of the Balancing Books function by selecting <A>.
          You can also make changes to the Amount fields in your outstanding 
          records, if necessary.                                         
          Checking                                                    Page 26

          After you press <A>, Checking lets you review your current 
          outstanding records.  If it appears that the problem is that a 
          record was cleared (or not cleared) erroneously, find the record 
          using the directional keys.

          The Balancing Books function asks its normal question:  "Change
          this check's status?"  Respond <Y>, and Checking changes that 
          record's status from "Cleared" to "Outstanding" (or vice versa).
          Then press <esc> to advance to the balancing portion of the 
          function again.

          If the error is an incorrect amount in one of the records, display
          that record and press <C> while the Balancing Books function asks
          its usual query.  This starts the Change function from where you 
          can change the amount, and if necessary, any <+> command amount you
          might have on the Memo line.  [Note:  You cannot change the type of
          record.  In other words, you cannot change a check to a deposit, a
          deposit to a check, etc.]

          After you've made the necessary corrections, press <esc> once more
          and rerun the balancing portion of the function.  Enter the bank's
          balance.  If all is well, Checking reports that your account has
          balanced.  Press any key to return to the Options Window.

          Once you leave the Balancing Books function, Checking updates your 
          file.  That means that all of the records you declared as cleared 
          would no longer be accessible to the Balancing Books function the 
          next time you run it since it can only handle the currently 
          outstanding records.  To alter the status of a record once the file 
          has been updated, you must use the Change function.
                                        _________

          Missing an Entry?
          Make sure you have a record for every line item listed on your bank
          statement.  Use the Change function to peruse your records.

          Autowithdrawals are easy to overlook, especially the `incidentals' 
          banks frequently charge such as check cashing fees, late payment 
          charges, costs for new checks, etc.

          Make sure you didn't forget one of your deposits, either.  That 
          includes the bank interest your account has earned.  It's frequently
          very little money, but it's enough to cause a balancing problem.
                                        _________

          Double Check Your Amount Entries.
          You can also use the Change function to double check your amount 
          entries.  Note the date of the first transaction on your bank 
          statement and use the scrolling keys to find the records in your 
          file that have that date.  Begin your amount comparisons at that 
          point.

          Don't forget to compare all of your transactions.  Checks, deposits,
          autowithdrawals, bank interest ... they must all match.  You should
          also compare the checks and deposits that are still outstanding 
          (those that appear in your checkbook register, but not on the bank 
          statement) to be sure they were all entered properly.         
          Checking                                                    Page 27

          ____________________________________________________________________


                                ++  Special Situations  ++

          Voiding Checks.

          If you wish to void a check choose 3, the Change function, in the 
          Options Window.  After you find the record you want to void, 
          Checking displays the normal sub-menu for making changes.  Select 2, 
          Void Checks.  Checking asks for confirmation.  You can only void 
          checks that have not yet cleared.

          Once you have voided a check, it cannot be undone.  Furthermore, the
          only way you can see the voided check is to view it using the Change
          function (even though you are no longer allowed to change it).
                                   __________________

          Automatic Salary Deposits.

          If your company deposits your earnings into your checking account
          automatically, you'll receive a deposit receipt from your employer 
          in lieu of a check.

          Enter the amount of the deposit into your register at the time you 
          receive the receipt.  Don't wait until your bank statement comes to
          enter this transaction.  This is a D entry in the Check Number 
          field, and you clear it after you have received your bank statement.
                                   __________________

          Automatic Teller Machines (ATM's).

          When you make cash withdrawals from your checking account using 
          ATM's, you need not bother entering a record of the transaction 
          until you receive the bank statement with the ATM deduction.  At 
          that point enter it as an autowithdrawal and clear it.

          After you've entered an autowithdrawal record, Checking asks you if
          you want to declare it cleared or outstanding.  Since it has already
          cleared your bank, declare it cleared.  This method is especially 
          handy if you maintain a cushion in your checking account, and don't
          need to monitor your running balance closely.

          If you'd rather keep your running balance timely, enter your ATM 
          records right away, but declare them outstanding.  When it's time 
          to balance your checkbook, you'll have the added step of declaring 
          them cleared, but since you'll be clearing all of your regular 
          checks anyway, it isn't that much more overhead.
                                   __________________
          Bank Deductions.

          If your account is penalized by the bank for a tardy payment, or 
          charged interest on a line of credit, or if the cost of writing 
          checks is deducted from your account, make those costs A entries
          (autowithdrawals).                                          
          Checking                                                    Page 28

          You enter these transactions after you've received your bank 
          statement.  Put the bank's name on the Pay To line and be sure to 
          declare these charges cleared since they have already been deducted
          from your account.
          ____________________________________________________________________

                                Extended Processing Options

               EPO  Definition

               <\>  Change a Quickey name, name on the check, or a Tax code.  

                    Checking asks which Quickey you want to change.  When you 
                    enter a Quickey, Checking highlights the current Pay To 
                    name for that Quickey in the Viewing Window and places 
                    your cursor in the Working Window's Pay To field under
                    the current entry.  Make the necessary changes and press
                    <enter>.

                    To delete the Pay To name entirely, press <alt> + <C> and
                    then <enter>.

                    If you find you've entered an incorrect Quickey, press 
                    <esc> while your cursor is still in the Working Window to 
                    resurrect the old Pay To name (even after you've made
                    some changes).

                    When you've finished making corrections to your Quickey 
                    list, press <esc> at the "Enter the Quickey you'd like to 
                    change" prompt.

                    Checking then asks if you want to sort your Quickeys.  If
                    you like having them sorted, you should reply <Y>.

                              [Tip:  The names are more easily found 
                              in the list if they are sorted.]

                    Next, you can change the names on the check.  The names 
                    on the check appear in the upper left hand corner of the 
                    Working Window.  The names can be up to 22 characters 
                    long.  

                    Checking comes with a standard set of Tax codes, but the  
                    codes can be used for a variety of purposes.  They don't
                    have to be used for taxes.  You might want to track
                    your gas and electric costs, grocery bills, whatever.

                    You have thirty-six Quickey Pay To names in Checking.  
                    They can be up to 22 characters long, but only the first 
                    19 letters are displayed in the Viewing Window.

                                       - - - - - - - - -                
          Checking                                                    Page 29

               <|>  Enter a new starting balance for your checking file.  When 
                    you enter a new starting balance, Checking updates your 
                    file immediately and displays the new running balance in 
                    the Running Balance Box inside the Working Window.

                    Warning!  Once you have run the Delete/Compress function 
                    described above (option 4, selection 4) you must not 
                    invoke this EPO.

                                       - - - - - - - - -

               <->  Delete a specific record.  You find and select the record 
                    you want to delete the same way you do when using the 
                    Change function.  Checking asks you to verify the record.

                    Please do so, because when a record is erased in this 
                    manner it is gone forever.  It cannot be saved to your 
                    dump file.

                    This EPO is handy if you find you've accidentally entered
                    a record twice (hence, the second entry is of no 
                    historical value, unlike a voided check).   

                                    - - - - - - - - -
               
               <+>  Reset the Tax Code field in all records that have a 
                    specific Tax code to blank.

                    If you've set up one of your Tax codes as a special 
                    projects code, you can reset the Tax code status on all 
                    of the records with that Tax code to blank.  Only the 
                    records with a current year date are affected.  Read 
                    the section entitled "Special Projects and Tax Codes" 
                    on page 9 for more information.

                                    - - - - - - - - -

               <#>  Switch between color and B/W modes.

                                    - - - - - - - - -

               <?>  Display available EPO's for this program.
          ____________________________________________________________________

                                     +  The End  +
          ____________________________________________________________________

          (c) Copyright 1991 - 1995 John L. Salisbury
